Even the less computer-savvy people these days are beginning to grow comfortable with the idea of going online. From email to chat groups to social networking sites, the Internet has gradually become a part of many people’s daily existences. When it comes to online commerce, most people by now are used to the idea of purchasing everything from diapers to groceries to medical care products off of the Internet, and thanks to search engine oriented marketing, it’s easier than ever for consumers to find the products they need in a jiffy. Although e-commerce is a thriving component of the economy, there are still items and products that some people might be less than comfortable purchasing online.
Tracey Powell is the founder and CEO of getSTDtested.com, an online company that facilitates STD testing in a manner that is both convenient and confidential, and while he agrees that there are many benefits to ordering STD tests online, some people are certainly less apt to do so than others. In order to make customers more comfortable with the idea of purchasing STD tests online, Powell answers the following frequently asked questions about his business:
Are STD tests ordered online really reliable?
Yes, any STD test ordered through getSTDtested.com is just as reliable as a test that a doctor would give. The company partners with some of the most reputable testing facilities in the country to ensure that all test results are extremely accurate; in fact, the testing facilities used by getSTDtested.com are typically the same national labs used by your physician. Additionally, the company has a number of doctors on staff to review test results and offer consultations as necessary.
Are STD tests ordered online really confidential?
Just like your doctor, in certain states, getSTDtested.com is required to report positive results for certain STDs. However, ordering tests online allows customers to control the information provided. The company also uses several mechanisms to protect customers. When a customer requests his lab-based tests through the website, he is assigned a patient ID number that corresponds to a particular email address. This ID number will appear on a laboratory test requisition form in lieu of an actual name in order to protect the patient’s true identity. Nondescript labels are also used for e-mail correspondence and credit card receipts.
What happens if a person doesn’t know which STDs to get tested for?
In order to help customers determine which STDs they need to get tested for, getSTDtested.com is the only online STD testing company that employs a staff of professional counselors whose job is to help people understand their STD symptoms and risks. The company also has medical doctors on hand who can be called upon for advice as necessary.
Is online STD testing expensive?
Since getSTDtested.com does not work with insurance companies in order to protect customer privacy, the cost per test can be greater than a simple insurance company copayment. However, the cost of online STD testing is still quite reasonable, and discounts are offered to customers who choose to get tested in bulk.
How quickly can online STD testing be done?
Once a customer has ordered his STD tests, he can simply print his laboratory requisition form and go to his local testing facility. Since appointments aren’t necessary, a customer could have his blood taken on the same day in which he places his online order.
How long does it take to get STD test results?
Most customers can expect to receive their test results within three business days of their respective testing facility visits. In some cases, customers might receive STD test results within 48 hours.
Now that you know the basics about online STD testing, you can feel comfortable knowing that by ordering your tests online, you’ll be getting the same service that any good physician would otherwise provide. Of course, for some people, the notion of ordering STD tests online is still rather foreign. However, those who do choose to use the Internet to their health’s advantage can certainly benefit from the convenience and privacy inherent in online STD testing.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
